COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR GIRL-CHILD EDUCATION IN THE DORMAA MUNICIPALITY OF THE BRONG-AHAFO REGION, GHANA

ABSTRACT The research was an attempt to find out the extent to which communities in the Dormaa Municipal area support girl-child education. The sample for the study consisted of one urban community, two peri-urban and two rural communities. In all 134 participants (some of whom were purposively selected and others randomly chosen) participated in the study. Data was collected through questionnaires and interview. The reliability of the questionnaire was tested at Cronbach Alpha value of 0.678. The SPSS computer software was used to analyze the data. The study revealed that parents generally had positive attitudes and perceptions about female education, and that they wanted higher educational levels for their girls so they could acquire better jobs. They perceived girlchild education as equally important as that of boys. The support the communities provided for girl-child education included: guidance and counseling, provision of school uniforms, financial support and enrolment drive. However, it was found out that the support provided by the communities was inadequate. The problems they faced in supporting girl-child education also included financial difficulties, sexual relations that lead to teenage pregnancy, lack of community support, peer pressure/influence and others. The study recommends that the municipal assembly should establish a fund to support needy girls. Also bye-laws should be passed and enforced to deal with men who have sexual relations with school girls.